Common Questions
What factors should I consider when hiring a landscape architect?
How do I care for new plants?
How to Hire a Professional Landscape Contractor Top
In your search for a landscape contractor you will find that some companies specialize in specific areas, (i.e.: maintenance), while others may perform a myriad of landscape services. Be sure the company you choose can backup the services they say they offer.
The first place to begin is with referrals from friends and neighbors who may have used a professional landscape contractor. You may consider contacting a property owner you are not aquatinted with who has an obviously pleasing, professionally landscaped property for a referral.
It is important to remember that landscaping, particularly landscape design and installation is not a commodity to which a price tag can be easily attached. Purchasing landscape design and installation services might better compare to purchasing art. Landscapes that are pleasing to the eye, functional and of lasting quality require professional design and installation. This is why many people choose to landscape their properties over a period of years rather than all at once. This allows them to budget adequate funds to complete their work properly using quality materials.
In order to hire a professional landscape contractor you need to employ the following techniques of a professional buyer.
  • Ask for and follow-up on references. This is the single most important point to hiring qualified contractors.
  • Require proof of liability insurance and current workers compensation insurance prior to commencement of work.
  • If fertilizer or pesticides are going to be applied, is the contractor licensed by the state of Georgia to safely apply such products.
  • Examine written guarantees and follow up maintenance instructions.
  • Call the Better Business Bureau.
  • Find out what, if any, professional trade organizations the contractor belongs to (i.e.: Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), Metropolitan Atlanta Lawn and Turf Association (MALTA), Southern Nurseryman's Association (SNA), the Better Business Bureau (BBB). We belong to all of those mentioned.
Membership in professional trade organizations is a good indication of a contractor's preparedness to meet your hiring requirements and follow through with quality craftsmanship. The Association Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), Metropolitan Atlanta Lawn and Turf (MALTA), the Southern Nurseryman's Association (SNA), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) all have requirements that their members include proof of: Liability Insurance, Workers Compensation Insurance, Georgia Pesticide Applicators license, as well as Trade and Job References.
While these trade organizations do not guarantee that members sustain these licenses or practice good customer service, membership is a good indication of the company's professionalism. Professional trade organizations like ALCA MALTA and SNA foster an environment for quality work and customer service through its publications and contractor seminars.
Watering Top
Watering requirements depend upon several factors: weather conditions, time of year and the age of the plant. For example, if we have rain during the week, it may substitute for one scheduled watering if the plants are established. If we have extremely hot weather in the summer, it may be necessary to water every day. A guideline for all watering is to place your finger in the soil beside the plant. If the plant feels damp, no watering is immediately necessary. If the plant feels dry, thoroughly saturate the ground with water. This rule can be applied to all seasons. However, it is important to check each plant before watering and not merely assume it needs water. Over watering can be as bad as under watering. The best time of the day to water is in the morning hours between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Water slowly and deeply allowing water to penetrate deep into the soil. This encourages deep root growth, which builds stronger and healthier plants.
First Season - From installation and up to one year - water every other day except as noted above. It may be necessary to water everyday during the summer if we are experiencing drought conditions.
Second and Third Season - Water plants two times a week in spring, fall and winter. In summer, water plants every other day.
Fourth Season on - Water plants once a week in spring, fall and winter. Water two times a week in summer.
NOTE: During the first season, do not rely solely on an irrigation system to supply water. Newly installed plants require a thorough and deep watering, especially trees. Sprinkler systems alone cannot provide this. Newly installed plants do not have an established root system to help take up water, therefore, they will quickly dry out. Additionally, watering by hand assures that every plant receives a deep watering each time.
Fertilization Top
All plants need a balanced supply of nutrients. We recommend fertilizing around the plants drip line with a slow release fertilizer three times a year. Water after applying fertilizer. A minimum chemical analysis should be 5-8-5. Do not use a cheap fertilizer, as they do not have any lasting effect. We recommend "Nursery Special" by "StaGreen" as a good brand name. Azaleas should not be fertilized until they have finished blooming in the spring.
Pruning Top
Prune as needed for corrective and cosmetic purposes. Any broken or damaged branches should be pruned.
Ornamental Insect Control Top
Spray all plant material with an insecticide as needed for active infestation.
Ornamental Disease/Fungus Control Top
Spray all plant material with a fungicide as needed for active disease/fungus.
Pine Straw Mulch Top
It is recommended that re-mulching with pine straw be performed at least three times per year with touch up throughout. Pine straw mulch helps keep moisture in the ground where it is needed for plant absorption. It also reduces the number of weed seeds from germinating by blocking sunlight from reaching the soil. Additionally, it keeps your landscape investment looking fresh and neat. Pre-emergent chemical application is recommended two times per year (first application should be in early spring) to help control weed growth in all mulch beds. We recommend you contact a professional chemical applicator for this service.
Annual Color Top
Annual color must be changed out two times per year, spring and fall. In order to maintain maximum color and plant health, we recommend flower maintenance be performed every two to four weeks. This involves the application of liquid fertilizer and fungicide. At the same time all plants should be "dead headed" of their spent blooms. Pesticides should only be applied on an as needed basis.